Ernest Jonathan Godwin Jr., 69, of Rowlett, passed away September 19, 2016. Jonathan was born in Garland on July 19, 1947. He was married to his wife, Marcia Gayle Godwin, for 33 years. Marcia was the love of his life, and he totally supported her passion for running marathons. He encouraged and accompanied her as she travelled to each of the 50 states to run marathons, and delighted in telling everyone how proud he was of her accomplishment.

Jonathan was even more passionate about his Lord. While Jonathan never held a pastoral position like several of his uncles, he continued to serve the Lord as a Biblical teacher. He was known for involving others in intellectual conversations related to God's Word. During his spare time, Jonathan could be found in Bible bookstores or talking about Jesus.  He was a member of First Baptist Church of Wylie.

Jonathan was a member of Garland High School's Class of 1965. He earned a Bachelor of General Studies from the University of Texas at Dallas.

Jonathan also had a fun-loving side. He was known for playing practical jokes using the same intellectual skill sets that he used as a teacher. He had a fascination with words and loved to create his own expressions. He enjoyed hobbies such as riding his Harley Davidson motorcycle and flying airplanes.

Surviving Jonathan are his wife Marcia Godwin of Rowlett; son, Jonathan Andrew Godwin of Keithville, Louisiana; brother, Thomas Andrew Godwin of Eureka, Texas; two sisters, Nancy Evelyn Normandin of Edmond, Oklahoma and Cindy Lou Daniel of Royse City. He is also survived by his two grandchildren, Lindsay Olsen and Lainey Godwin. Jonathan was preceded in death by his parents.

Visitation will be held at Allen Funeral Home on Friday, September 23, 2016, from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m.

Funeral services are scheduled for Saturday, September 24, 2016, at 1:00 p.m. at First Baptist Church of Wylie. Dr. Kris Segrest will officiate with Earl Newsom as a speaker. Interment will follow at Lake View Cemetery in Lavon.